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Eat heart-healthy by avoiding the "salty six"

Eating too many salty foods can create all sorts of health problems, including high blood pressure. Alexis Sims with the American Heart Association has more on how you build a heart-healthy diet by avoiding the "Salty Six".

Sodium overload is a major health problem in the United States. The average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day - more than twice the 1,500 milligrams recommended by the American Heart Association(AHA).

That's why the AHA is increasing awareness of sodium and the "Salty Six" - common foods that may be loaded with excess sodium that can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.

The "Salty Six" is made up of (1) breads and rolls, (2) cold cuts and cured meat, (3) pizza, (4) poultry, (5) soup and (6) sandwiches.

That's in large part because of our food supply; more than 75 percent of our sodium consumption comes from processed and restaurant foods.

Be sure to keep in mind that different brands and restaurant preparation of the same foods may have different sodium levels. The AHA's Heart-Check mark, whether in the grocery store or restaurant, helps shoppers see through the clutter on grocery store shelves to find foods that help you build a heart-healthy diet.

As you gear up for your next grocery store run or order from the menu, keep the Salty Six in mind. All you need to do to make a heart-healthy choice is to look for the Heart-Check mark.

Another helpful tool is the Nutrition Facts label on the package and calorie labeling in restaurants, which together with the Heart-Check mark helps you make wise choices for the foods you and your family eat.